FOOD fans descended on the centre of York for the start of one of the city’s most mouthwatering annual events.

The York Festival of Food & Drink opened yesterday, beginning ten days of appetising events.

Markets and demonstrations are being held in various marquees in Parliament Street, restaurants and cafés are offering special meal deals, and a range of specialist events are being held across the city.

Among the highlights yesterday was a competition in Guildhall between young chefs, who each cooked a two-course Yorkshire menu in an hour and a half.

At Meltons Too, in Walmgate, Karen Hardwick, from the Wine Academy, led an introduction to Italian wine, while later in the day the same venue hosted a slow food taste workshop on North Yorkshire lamb.

At night there was a Ghanaian evening at the Fountain Café in Parliament Street and a glamorous launch dinner of Spanish wine and tapas in Guildhall.

Ale lovers also got in on the fun, continuing to enjoy the York Beer and Cider Festival on Knavesmire, which began on Thursday and concludes today, while in the city centre crowds thronged around the myriad stalls selling international culinary delights.

Debbie Waite, festival director, said: “It seems to be going very, very well.”

The festival continues today, when the main attractions include a pasta demonstration in Parliament Street at 10am, a whisky festival in Guildhall at noon, a honey workshop at Meltons Too at 4pm and a live music event in Parliament Street at 6.30pm. Full details of festival events can be found online at www.yorkfoodfestival.com